VETERAN batsman Graeme Hick was set to return to Worcestershire's line-up to face Gloucester at New Road in Division Two of the LV County Championship today.

The 41-year-old former England man is recovering well from keyhole surgery on his elbow and was hopeful he would feature, possibly in place of Moeen Ali.

Seam bowler Kabir Ali was also optimistic of taking part following a sore hamstring which has kept him out of recent matches.

Simon Jones looked set to make his second Championship appearance for Worcestershire after taking five wickets in Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy win over Hampshire. He took the place of Chris Whelan in the 12-man squad.

The Pears are still without fast bowler Matt Mason, who has recovered from a shoulder injury but picked up a slight groin strain against Loughborough UCCE.

Young fast bowler Mehraj Ahmed suffered a minor side strain in the same match and is another absentee.